Lourdata Village Kefalonia

Lourdata village, we find it about sixteen kilometers from the capital Argostoli heading south on a cliff through a steep road made of narrow and challenging hairpin bends.

Built as an amphitheater overlooking the sea, it is located right on the slopes of Mount Ainos or Ainos as you prefer to call it the highest peak on the island.

Its name seems to derive from the fact that in the past it was the favorite place of the English Lords during the period of the British occupation. Immersed in an idyllic setting where the vegetation is extremely luxuriant and rich in water thanks to the great mountain that gives it to the whole area, it is a small village that in recent years has undergone a strong growth in tourist facilities and small hotels have sprung up and private villas without affecting, however, and fortunately we allow ourselves to say more than that the typical Ionian atmosphere.

With about two hundred permanent inhabitants who deal with livestock and tourism, it offers all the comforts to its guests from exceptional taverns where you can taste traditional dishes, especially meat (lamb is a must try), shops and cafes some in the shade of ancient trees with a crazy view of the sea and the valley.

A quiet country, where those seeking relaxation will surely find it, where walking along the seafront you can see delightful well-kept gardens with exhilarating scents and maybe stopping to eat or drink something to make friends with some local who will always be happy to tell you about his island and give you important information on what to do and where to go off the tourist circuit.

The ideal destination for those who love trekking, given the great choice of hiking trails that Mount Aenos offers, through forests of black pines, streams, to the top where the San Gerasimos Monastery dedicated to the patron saint of Kefalonia is located. it passes through a garden with 40 ancient wells. Founded in the 14th century above a small cave where the saint lived which is still visible and can be visited today, unfortunately in 1953 it was destroyed by the earthquake but the faithful rebuilt it in the same Byzantine style as the original. Inside, all in marble, there is the bishop's throne with magnificent frescoes, and in a silver casket containing the remains of the saint. On the ceiling, images representing the Old Testament ranging from the birth of Christ to the Miracle of Pentecost. St. Gerasimos is celebrated on August 16, the date of his death and October 20, the date on which his remains were deposited in the monastery. Another beautiful celebration is when the relics of the saint are brought under the plane tree that he himself cried when he decided to live as a hermit, which is then followed by a great party based on music, dances and good food.

Another church worth visiting is the Sission Monastery right in the bay hidden in the trees. Dating back to the 13th century commissioned by St. Francis of Assisi and a very prosperous time where important monks lived. It was originally of the Catholic faith and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. To date, the most interesting part is the best preserved façade. Its precious icon of the fifteenth century is kept in the Museum of Sant'Andrea in Peratata. Every year a heartfelt procession of very ancient origins (we already speak from the Middle Ages), where the icon is transferred to the temple of Evangelistrias from Sunday after Easter until Sunday of the Samaritan where at the end an important fair is celebrated.

Another point of interest is Aghios Georgios Castle, (Saint George) believed to be the oldest on the island of Kefalonia on the top of the Livatho hill above the Peratata village. From the Byzantine era it was a perfect observation point for spotting pirates and invaders. From the polygonal shape over an area of 16,000 square meters, in the Venetian period a mighty wall was built for defense purposes with bastions where it was possible to take refuge in case of attack. Outside the castle there are still remains of buildings from various eras such as churches, warehouses, cisterns with noble friezes and the remains of a bridge where underneath there was a gallery that led to the Koutavos lagoon a sort of secret escape route.

The location of  Lourdata village is excellent for reaching many beautiful beaches such as the Myrthos beach, probably the most famous and most photographed in the world, while from the ports of Poros and Sami it is possible to travel by ferry for a trip on the island of Ithaca or to reach the mainland. From the small port of Pessada which is eight kilometers away, it is possible to take the boat to get to the Zakynthos Island.

There are many beaches and coves to visit if for your holidays in Greece you decide to stay in the area, we start with Trapezaki beach about three kilometers from Lourdata north-east. A wide and long coastline of sand mixed with small clear pebbles with an almost always calm, crystalline sea of an intense blue. Equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and a kiosk for something to eat or drink. If you want you can reach it on foot through a path between small streams and the verdant forest.

Before Trapezaki beach, we find Kanali beach. A long stretch of soft sand with a few pebbles from the clear and clean sea and the gently sloping seabed perfect for lovers of long swims. There are no sunbeds and umbrellas equipped so 'remember to bring something to shelter from the sun, to drink and eat. It can be reached with a walk of about a quarter of an hour through a path surrounded by greenery that is not difficult to do but better if with a pair of shoes and not in flip-flops because at times it is a little steep and slippery. On the sides there are rocks where the marine fauna is very lively and therefore if you like snorkeling you will surely have fun.

Here is a hidden gem, where you can truly relax as it is little known and never overcrowded Paradisi Beach. It is located near the Sission Monastery and can be reached via a path that will literally take you to a paradise made up of a coastline of fine sand with transparent and turquoise waters. Wild with thick vegetation behind it and boulders scattered both on land and in the sea where you can enjoy a nice swim or fall asleep with the sound of the sea. Obviously it is not equipped, there is nothing so 'bring everything you need. Given its secluded position, it is very popular with naturalists.

We close with the city beach, Lourdata beach. She is also on the list of the most beautiful in Kefalonia, long, of fine light sand mixed with pebbles from the calm, blue and crystalline sea with shallow waters perfect for families with children. Behind the imposing Mount Aenos in all its splendor. Very equipped with sun beds, umbrellas, shops and taverns facing the sea where you can taste excellent fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes.

Always based on where you will be staying, keep the capital Argostoli as a reference and continue towards the southwest. From the capital a bus service but always check the timetable.

A quiet but splendid location set in a very beautiful natural landscape, certainly worthy of note among the things to see in Kefalonia.